Means for coupling conduit

ABSTRACT

Coupling devices for coupling conduit in end-to-end flow communication relationship are disclosed. A complete coupling device has at least two coupling members each having one end attachable to one end of another coupling member. Each coupling member has one end configured with a first cooperating attaching component. The other coupling member or the other end of a single coupling member has one end configured with a second cooperating attaching component. There may also be a pressure producing element which increases coupling forces when the first and second cooperating attaching components are attached together. There can be corrugations in the walls of one or all of the coupling members that fit within corrugations of corrugated conduit, for coupling corrugated conduit. In addition, a plurality of coupling devices and/or coupling members can be used together to couple conduit of various sizes. The larger the diameter of the conduit, the more coupling devices and/or coupling members are needed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit, under 35 USC 119(e), of prior U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/241,511, filed Oct. 18, 2000 for Means for Coupling Conduit, by the same Inventor. This application also claims the benefit, under 35 USC 120, of prior U.S. Regular Application filed Oct. 17, 2001 for Means for Coupling Conduit, by the same Inventor.

BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates most generally to coupling devices used to couple conduit in flow communication relationship. More particularly this invention relates to a specially designed connector which is used to couple in end-to-end relationship, and in flow communication relationship, cylindrical conduit or pipe for use in leaching systems. Even more particularly the invention relates to a specially designed connector, coupler, or means for coupling so-called corrugated cylindrical conduit which has ridges, channels and grooves over which may be laid or wrapped, either single or multiple layers of fabric. And further the invention may be used with smooth-walled pipe as opposed to corrugated types of pipe. In each instance, the pipe may be used to effectively process effluent in a leaching system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

There are many devices used in connecting pipe/conduit. In most instances the devices are not designed for ease of use, safety, or reuse, nor are they economic or simple for providing a coupling only sufficient to maintain relationship of the conduit being coupled without the need to have pressure fluid tight connection.

It would be advantageous to have a coupler especially for coupling corrugated pipe which emphasizes or addresses the relatively simple need for joining or coupling conduit without the concern or requirement for having no leaks under pressure.

There is nothing currently available which satisfies these needs and objectives. However, the invention disclosed herein does meet all of these objectives. No prior art of which Applicant is aware is as effective and as efficient as the instant coupler system. Clearly the instant invention provides many advantages over the prior art known by Applicant. None of the prior art meets the objects of the coupler of the invention, as used in septic and waste water treatment in a manner like that of the instant invention. None of them is as effective or as efficient.

It is also important to note that the use of the couplers of the present invention permit the easy coupling and decoupling of conduit and more particularly the coupling and decoupling of corrugated or smooth plastic septic pipe used in septic systems. The couplers may be used with standard forms of corrugated pipe and with special designs of perforated and corrugated pipe which may or may not be fabric wrapped such that liquids will be diffused/dispersed without channeling the liquids in a forced direction, thereby adding considerably to the life of any septic system. These couplers may also be used on corrugated or smooth-walled structures or any fluid-carrying structure that passes fluids through itself or through holes, slots, or cuts over, under, through or around.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the most fundamental aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coupler device which will quickly, effectively, simply, safely and economically connect adjacent e nds of two pieces of conduit in fluid flow communication. The preferred coupler consists of two coupling members which may or may not be joined at one end in such a manner as to allow bending of coupling members relative to each other. The other end of each of the coupling members is configured so that such other ends are securely engageable with each other. The coupler, if wrapped around the adjacent ends of two end-to-end facing conduit and the ends of the coupler are securely engaged, will retain/maintain the end-to-end relationship of the two pieces of conduit. There may also be corrugations in the walls of one or both of the coupling members which corrugations fit within and mate, or interfit, with at least one of the corrugations of corrugated conduit if corrugated conduit is being connected. The inside diameter of the coupler is about equal to or slightly greater than the outside diameter of the conduit being thereby coupled. The coupler for coupling corrugated conduit is substantially functional to maintain the connection of the coupled conduit but not necessarily in a fluid-tight relationship. However, when considering gravity driven fluid flow, substantially all of the fluid will flow between and through each of the coupled conduit, and the connection will be essentially fluid-tight. For large diameter pipe, the manner of coupling may be made up of a plurality of single coupling members or a plurality of couplers devices configured to fit each to the other in sufficient numbers to completely wrap around the outer surface of the conduit being coupled.

The preferred form of the cooperating attaching components of the coupling members is similar in structure to that of “wire ties”, which, once attached are not readily unattachable. However, it is not necessary, and in many instances not desirable, to provide an attachment which is substantially unattachable. In many instances it is desirable to be able to decouple coupled conduit and to be able to reuse the coupler and/or the conduit.

Thus it is an advantage of the invention to provide a quick, effective, simple, safe and economical coupler device to connect adjacent ends of two pieces of conduit in fluid flow communication.

It is another advantage of the invention to provide a coupler device that can be permanently attached to conduit.

It is a further advantage of the invention to provide a coupler that is detachable such that the coupler and/or the conduit may be reused.

It is yet another advantage of the invention to provide a coupler device that can be easily used with conduit of various diameter by having one or more coupling members such that one coupling member may be used alone, or as many coupling members as necessary may by configured together to completely wrap around the outer surface of large(r) diameter conduit.

These and further advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains and after a study of the present disclosure of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the invention showing the coupling device in an unwrapped/uncoupled condition.

FIG. 2. is another isometric view of the invention showing the coupling device in an unwrapped/uncoupled condition.

FIG. 3. is an isometric view of the invention showing the coupling device in a wrapped/coupled condition.

FIG. 4 is another isometric view of the invention showing the coupling device in a wrapped/coupled condition.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the coupling device showing the outer surface and the cooperating attaching components.

FIG. 5A is a section view illustrating the ridges of the first attaching component and a cavity or slot of the second attaching component as well as hinge area geometry.

FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the coupling device showing the arcuate nature of each of the coupling members, the hinging structure and the attaching components.

FIGS. 6C, 6D, 6E and 6F show various detail indicated in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6B shows an enlarged section view of a portion of conduit with the coupling device attached.

FIG. 6G is an enlarged view of the coupling device coupled around a conduit.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the invention showing the coupling device in a wrapped condition around one piece of corrugated conduit.

FIG. 7A is a section view of the invention showing the coupling device in a wrapped condition around one piece of corrugated conduit.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a single coupling member, attachable to one or more other coupling members, usable with corrugated conduit.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a coupling device, attachable to one or more other coupling devices or members, usable with smooth-walled conduit.

FIG. 9A is a side perspective view of a single coupling member usable with smooth-walled conduit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following is a description of the preferred embodiment of the invention. It is clear that there may be variations in the size and the shape of the coupling device, in the materials used in the construction and in the orientation of the various parts and the means for connection. However, the main features are consistent and the particular aspects, features and advantages are as noted.

In one embodiment of the invention, the detail of which is provided in drawing FIGS. 1-7A, coupling device 10 for coupling conduit 8 in end-to-end flow communication relationship has two arcuate coupling members; the first coupling member 12 having one inner end 12 a hingingly attached, or attachable, to one inner end 14 a of the second coupling member 14 of the two coupling members. The first member 12 has the outer, or opposite, end 12 b configured with at least one first cooperating attaching component 16 and the second coupling member 14 has the outer, or opposite, end 14 b configured with at least one second cooperating attaching component 18. There may also be a pressure producing element (not shown), such as an “O-ring” type device or structure that increases coupling forces when the first and second cooperating attaching components 16, 18 are attached.

There may also be corrugations 12 c and/or 14 c in the walls of one or both of the coupling members 12 and 14 which corrugations fit within and mate or interfit with at least one of the corrugations of corrugated conduit if corrugated conduit is being connected. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the coupling device of the present invention may also be formed without corrugations, for coupling of smooth-walled conduit.

In addition, although also not shown, but easily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art without the need for specific illustration, there may be perforations in the coupling device 10. The perforations could be located in the wall of the coupling members 12, 14 and/or in the corrugations 12 c/14 c if the coupler 10 is corrugated. The perforations would be located, sized and spaced to mate, interfit, or align with perforations in perforated conduit or pipe if the coupling device were being used with perforated conduit in a septic, wastewater, or irrigation type application. Thus the perforations would assure that there would not be an area that is un-perforated where two pieces of conduit are joined, and would thereby assure that the coupling device would not disrupt passage of fluid into or out of the conduit through the walls of the conduit.

The inside diameter of the coupling device 10, when closed, is about equal to or slightly greater than the outside diameter of the conduit 8 being thereby coupled. The coupling device 10 for coupling conduit is substantially functional to maintain the connection of the coupled conduit 8, but not necessarily in a fluid-tight relationship. However, when considering gravity driven fluid flow, substantially all of the fluid will flow within and between each of the coupled conduit sections, thereby resulting in an essentially fluid-tight connection. However, the coupling device 10 may be made to be more fluid-tight by including an elastic material, (again not shown but easily understood, for example an “O-ring” type device), located on the interior surface of coupling members 12, 14 which, when the coupling device 10 is closed around the conduit 8, is compressed against the outer surface of the each of the conduit or pipe sections being connected or coupled. Such an elastic material could be one or more “O-ring” type structures (as would be known in the art for seal enhancement) used at the ends of coupling device 10, or could be a thin elastic material coating on the entire inner surface of coupling members 12, 14. In addition, there are clearly other ways to enhance the fluid-tight nature of the coupling if desired.

For illustration of the first embodiment of the coupling device 10 coupled around one section of conduit 8 (shown with only one section of conduit so the coupling mechanism can be seen), see in particular FIGS. 6B, 7 and 7A. In these Figures, one coupling device 10, and its two coupling members 12 and 14, extends or wraps completely around the conduit 8 being connected, and is then sealed or closed by insertion of first cooperating attaching component 16 into second cooperating attaching component 18.

Referring again to the preferred first embodiment, in greater detail; the first and second cooperating attaching components 16 comprise at least one insertion element or tab as the first attaching component 16, and at least one receiving element as the second attaching component 18. Insertion element(s) 16 is located at the outer end 12 b of coupling member 12. Receiving element(s) 18 is located at the outer end 14 b of coupling member 14. Each of the insertion elements or tabs 16 is insertable into the cooperating receiving element 18. Each of the insertion elements 16 also has a plurality of either dents, detents, scorings, or ridges 16 a which slidingly interfit with either dents, detents, scorings, or ridges 18 a within the receiving element 18. When the insertion element 16 is slid into or inserted into the receiving element 18, there is a substantial connection created which may or may not be easily disconnected depending upon the geometry of the cooperating dents, detents, scorings and ridges 16 a and 18 a. Greater detail of the dents, detents, scorings or ridges 16 a can be seen in FIG. 6F. Greater detail of receiving element 18 can be seen in FIG. 6C.

Thus, the preferred means for forming the attachment of the ends of the coupling device 10 around the conduit 8 is somewhat similar to the ratchet type action of a “wire tie” in which attachment is easy as one end is slid into a slot in the other end, but detachment may be difficult or impossible due to the ridges on the tie. With the present invention attachment is either irreversible or reversible depending on the geometry and arrangement of the cooperating dents, detents, scorings, and ridges 16 a, 18 a.

There may also be a means 17 for limiting, or regulating, the degree of bend of the insertion component 16 located at the position where the first attaching component (or insertion element) 16 is contiguous with the first, or outer, end 12 b of the coupling member 12. This means 17 for limiting or regulating the bend may be a bump or a ridge which contacts a stopping surface when the first cooperating attaching component 16 is bent past alignment with a tangent to the first, or outer, end 12 b the coupling member 12. Greater detail of means 17 for limiting or regulating the degree of bend of the insertion component 16 can be seen in FIGS. 5A and 6E.

At inner ends 12 a and 14 a is a hinge region 20. This hinge region 20 can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, FIGS. 5, 6 and 5A, and in greater detail in FIG. 6D. FIG. 6D illustrates how hinge region 20 may also include a means 22 for limiting or regulating the degree of bend of the hinge region 20 where coupling members or components 12 and 14 meet. As can be seen, this means 22 for limiting or regulating the bend may be a bump, ridge or dip in the material of the hinge region.

FIGS. 6B, 6G, 7 and 7A illustrate the coupling device 10 in position around one end of one conduit 8. FIG. 7 shows the closed coupling device 10 wherein first cooperating attaching component(s) 16 has been inserted into receiving element(s) 18. While only one piece of conduit 8 is shown for example purposes to see the coupling mechanism, two pieces of conduit 8 would be positioned end to end before the coupling device 10 would be placed around the conduit and secured by inserting element(s) 16 into receiving element(s) 18.

FIGS. 6G and 7A are alternative views showing the coupling device 10 closed around a piece of conduit 8. FIG. 6G shows the cooperating dents, detents, scorings or ridges 16 a and 18 a. FIG. 7A illustrates how the corrugations 12 c of the coupling device 10 interfit with corrugations of the conduit 8. Again, however, neither the coupling device nor the conduit to be connected need be corrugated.

Finally, once the conduit has been coupled, the entire structure may be covered, (not shown), with a fabric covering if the conduit 8 and/or coupling device 10 is perforated and is being used in an irrigation, wastewater or septic application.

A second embodiment of the invention is a coupling device 10 having substantially the same function and purpose as that of the coupling device 10 of the first embodiment, but wherein the two coupling members 12 and 14, when hinged and positioned to connect two conduits, do not extend or wrap completely around the conduit because of the dimension of the circumference of the conduit being coupled. With larger such diameter conduit, coupling may be accomplished by connecting a plurality of individual coupling members 12 or 14, or a plurality of coupling devices 10, to each other in sufficient numbers to extend or wrap around such larger diameter conduit.

The dimensions of the coupling members 12,14 is such that there is required an even integer multiple (greater than two (2)) of coupling members 12,14 in order to fully wrap and connect the conduit. For example, where each of the coupling members 12, 14 is dimensioned to wrap about 180 degrees around the conduit, one coupling device 10 would be required which is according to the description of the first embodiment. Where the conduit is larger in diameter, each of the coupling members 12, 14 may be dimensioned to wrap for example about 90 degrees around the conduit, thereby requiring two coupling devices 10 comprised of four (4) total coupling members 12,14 with each of the coupling members having an inner surface with an arc length based upon about 90 degrees. Even larger conduit can be coupled where each of the coupling members 12,14 wraps 45 degrees around a conduit. In such an instance four (4) coupling devices 10 comprised of eight (8) total coupling members 12,14 would be required.

As in the first embodiment, with this second embodiment, or way of using the coupling device(s) 10, there may also be corrugations in the walls of one or both of the coupling members 12,14 which corrugations fit within and mate or interfit with at least one of the corrugations of corrugated conduit if corrugated conduit is being connected. With this second embodiment, as with the first embodiment, the inside diameter of an entire, connected coupling device is about equal to or slightly greater than the outside diameter of the conduit being thereby coupled. There may also be perforations located in the wall of coupling members 12, 14 of this embodiment if perforated conduit is being connected, as well as-perforations located in the corrugations in coupling members 12,14 if corrugated perforated conduit is being connected.

A third embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 8, is a single, non-hinged coupling member 12′ similar to coupling members 12 and 14. The single coupling member 12′ has a length, a width and an inner surface, wherein the length of the inner surface is defined by an arc of a number of degrees, which number of degrees is variable and determinable and a function of the conduit diameter which is to be coupled. On a first end 12 b′ of the coupling member 12′ is at least a first cooperating attaching component 16′ and on the other end 12 a′ of the coupling member is configured a second cooperating attaching component 18′. First cooperating attaching component 16′ may have thereon a plurality of dents, detents, scorings or ridges 16 a′ for cooperating, in either a permanent or reversible manner with a plurality of cooperating dents, detents, scorings or ridges 18 a′ in second cooperating attaching component 18′.

Using an appropriate number of the single coupling members 12′, conduits of various diameters may be coupled. Where corrugated pipe is being coupled, the inner surface of the single coupling member will have a means for interfitting with at least one of the corrugations of the corrugated conduit. In this example a plurality of corrugations 12 c′ is shown. The single coupling member 12′ of this third embodiment is similar in configuration to the coupling members 12 and 14 of coupling device 10 but is not hinged, and has both the first and second cooperating attaching components 16′, 18′—one on each end. Single coupling member 12′ may also have a means 17′ for limiting or regulating the degree of bend permitted for the first cooperating attaching component(s) 16′. The means for regulating 17′ may be a bump or a ridge which contacts a stopping surface when the first cooperating attaching component 16′ is bent past alignment with a tangent to the first end 12 b′ the coupling member 12′, such as during attachment of a coupling member 12′ to another coupling member 12′. This minimizes damage and breakage to coupling members during attachment of coupling members to each other.

As with the first and second embodiments, this third, single coupling member embodiment may include a plurality of perforations 12 d′ in the wall of the coupling member 12′ if perforated conduit is being connected. Perforations may also be included on and in the corrugations 12 c′ of coupling member 12′ if perforated corrugated conduit is being connected.

A fourth embodiment of the invention is a coupling device 10A for coupling smooth-walled conduit. A coupling device 10A for smooth-walled conduit is shown in FIG. 9. The coupling device 10A for coupling smooth-walled conduit has several engaging elements (not shown) or an engaging ridge 24 protruding inwardly from the inner surface of the hinged first and second coupling members 12″ and 14″. A coupling device for smooth-walled conduit can also be in the form of single coupling member(s) 12″′(triple prime), as shown in FIG. 9A, that can be joined to form a coupling device. The ridge(s) or engaging element(s) 24 engages with an engaging channel (not shown) appropriately formed on the outer surface of the smooth-walled conduit/pipe and appropriately positioned from each end of conduit being joined, which ends will be adjacent to each other, for engaging with the engaging elements or the engaging ridge 24 when coupled or connected.

As with the previous three embodiments, and shown in FIG. 9A, there may be a plurality of perforations 12 d″′ in the wall of each first and second coupling member 12″, 14″, or single coupling member 12′″, for use with perforated conduit.

As noted above, in each of the four preferred embodiments of the invention there may also be a pressure producing element which increases coupling forces when the first and second cooperating attaching components 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″, 8, 18′, 18″, 18″′ are attached. The pressure producing element may simply be a lip which creates an outwardly directed force as the first and second cooperating attaching components are engaged. Again, while this feature is not shown in the drawing figures, from the foregoing description it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

It is thought that the present invention, the coupling device for coupling conduit, and most particularly for coupling corrugated pipe or other fluid conducting conduit structure for use within a drainage field, and many of its attendant advantages is understood from the foregoing description. It will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred or exemplary embodiment. 

1. A coupler for coupling smooth-walled or corrugated conduit in end to end flow communication comprising: a coupling member having a length, a width, and an inner surface defined by an arc of a variable but predetermined number of degrees, which number of degrees is determinable as a function of the diameter of conduit to be coupled; a first cooperating attaching component at a first end of said coupling member; a second cooperating attaching component at a second end of said coupling member, wherein said first and said second cooperating attaching components of different said coupling members are attachable each to the other such that any required number of said coupling members are attachable together end to end to form said coupler around a given diameter conduit.
 2. The coupler of claim 1 wherein said arcuate coupling member further comprises: a plurality of corrugations in the walls of said arcuate coupling member, said corrugations located and spaced to fit within and mate or interfit with at least one corrugation of corrugated conduit if corrugated conduit is being coupled.
 3. The coupler of claim 1 wherein said first cooperating attaching component comprises: a plurality of dents, detents, scorings, or ridges located thereon.
 4. The coupler of claim 3 wherein said second cooperating attaching component comprises: a plurality of dents, detents, scorings, or ridges located thereon which cooperate with said dents, detents, scorings or ridges of said first cooperating attaching component to securely attach a said coupling member to another said coupling member, and to securely close said coupler formed from multiple said coupling members in a closed position around conduit coupled by said coupler.
 5. The coupler of claim 4 wherein the geometry of said pluralities of dents, detents, scorings, or ridges of each of said first and said second cooperating attaching components is such that said first and said second cooperating attaching components are irreversibly attachable once attached each to the other.
 6. The coupler of claim 4 wherein the geometry of said pluralities of dents, detents, scorings, or ridges of each of said first and said second cooperating attaching components is such that said first and said second cooperating attaching components are detachable each from the other such that each said coupling member and said coupler formed therefrom is removable and reusable.
 7. The coupler of claim 1 wherein the inside diameter of said coupler, once formed, is about equal to or slightly greater than the outside diameter of conduit being coupled by said coupler.
 8. The coupler of claim 1 comprising an elastic material disposed on the interior surface of each said coupling member of said coupler which said elastic material is compressable against the outer surface of the conduits being coupled, to enhance the seal made by said coupler.
 9. The coupler of claim 1 comprising: a means for regulating the amount of flex permitted of said first cooperating attaching component comprising: a bump or ridge which contacts a stopping surface if said first cooperating attaching component is bent past alignment with a tangent to said first end of said arcuate coupling member.
 10. The coupler of claim 1 comprising: a plurality of perforations in the wall of each said arcuate coupling member wherein said plurality of perforations is located and spaced to mate or interfit with perforations of perforated conduit if perforated conduit is being connected.
 11. The coupler of claim 2 comprising: a plurality of perforations in said plurality of corrugations of each said arcuate coupling member wherein said plurality of perforations is located and spaced to mate or interfit with perforations of perforated conduit if perforated conduit is being connected.
 12. A coupler for coupling smooth-walled conduit comprising: a first arcuate coupling member and a second arcuate coupling member hingingly attachable each to one end of the other at a hinge region; a first cooperating attaching component attached to an outer end of said first arcuate coupling member opposite said hinge region; and a second cooperating attaching component attached to an outer end of said second arcuate coupling member opposite said hinge region; and wherein said coupler is wrappable around adjacent ends of aligned conduit such that said first and said second cooperating attaching components attach each to the other and thereby close said coupler and secure the adjacent ends of aligned conduit together in fluid flow communication.
 13. The coupler of claim 12 comprising: at least one engaging element protruding inwardly from the inner surface of each of said first and said second arcuate coupling members wherein said at least one engaging element engages with at least one cooperating engaging channel formed on the outer surface of said smooth-walled conduit, each said at least one cooperating engaging channel appropriately positioned from each end of said smooth-walled conduits being joined, for engaging with said at least one engaging element on said first and said second arcuate coupling members.
 14. The coupler of claim 13 wherein said engaging element comprises: a ridge.
 15. The coupler of claim 12 wherein said first cooperating attaching component comprises: a plurality of dents, detents, scorings, or ridges located thereon.
 16. The coupler of claim 15 wherein said second cooperating attaching component comprises: a plurality of dents, detents, scorings, or ridges located thereon which cooperate with said dents, detents, scorings or ridges of said first cooperating attaching component to close and secure said coupler in a closed position.
 17. The coupler of claim 16 wherein the geometry of said pluralities of dents, detents, scorings, or ridges of each of said first and said second cooperating attaching components is such that said first and said second cooperating attaching components are irreversibly attachable once attached each to the other.
 18. The coupler of claim 16 wherein the geometry of said pluralities of dents, detents, scorings, or ridges of each of said first and said second cooperating attaching components is such that said first and said second cooperating attaching components are detachable each from the other such that said coupler is removable and reusable.
 19. The coupler of claim 12 wherein the inside diameter of said coupler is about equal to or slightly greater than the outside diameter of conduit being coupled by said coupler.
 20. The coupler of claim 12 comprising an elastic material disposed on the interior surface of each of said first and said second arcuate coupling member of said coupler which said elastic material is compressable against the outer surface of said smooth-walled conduits being coupled, to enhance the seal made by said coupler.
 21. The coupler of claim 12 comprising: a means for regulating the amount of flex permitted of said first cooperating attaching component comprising: a bump or ridge which contacts a stopping surface if said first cooperating attaching component is bent past alignment with a tangent to said outer end of said first arcuate coupling member.
 22. The coupler of claim 12 comprising: a means for regulating the amount of flex permitted at said hinge region comprising: a bump or ridge which contacts a stopping surface to prevent excessive flexing of said hinge region.
 23. The coupler of claim 12 comprising: a plurality of perforations in the wall of said first arcuate coupling member, wherein said plurality of perforations is located and spaced to mate or interfit with perforations of perforated conduit if perforated conduit is being connected.
 24. The coupler of claim 12 comprising: a plurality of perforations in the wall of said second arcuate coupling member, wherein said plurality of perforations is located and spaced to mate or interfit with perforations of perforated conduit if perforated conduit is being connected.
 25. A coupler for coupling smooth-walled conduit comprising: a coupling member having a length, a width, and an inner surface defined by an arc of a variable but predetermined number of degrees, which number of degrees is determinable as a function of the diameter of conduit to be coupled; a first cooperating attaching component at a first end of said coupling member; a second cooperating attaching component at a second end of said coupling member, wherein said first and said second cooperating attaching components of different said coupling members are attachable each to the other such that any required number of said coupling members are attachable together end to end to form said coupler around a given diameter conduit.
 26. The coupler of claim 25 comprising: at least one engaging element protruding inwardly from the inner surface of said coupling member wherein said at least one engaging element engages with at least one cooperating engaging channel formed on the outer surface of said smooth-walled conduit, each said at least one cooperating engaging channel appropriately positioned from each end of said smooth-walled conduits being joined, for engaging with said at least one engaging element on said coupling member.
 27. The coupler of claim 26 wherein said engaging element comprises: a ridge.
 28. The coupler of claim 25 wherein said first cooperating attaching component comprises: a plurality of dents, detents, scorings, or ridges located thereon.
 29. The coupler of claim 28 wherein said second cooperating attaching component comprises: a plurality of dents, detents, scorings, or ridges located thereon which cooperate with said dents, detents, scorings or ridges of said first cooperating attaching component to close and secure said coupler in a closed position.
 30. The coupler of claim 29 wherein the geometry of said pluralities of dents, detents, scorings, or ridges of each of said first and said second cooperating attaching components is such that said first and said second cooperating attaching components are irreversibly attachable once attached each to the other.
 31. The coupler of claim 29 wherein the geometry of said pluralities of dents, detents, scorings, or ridges of each of said first and said second cooperating attaching components is such that said first and said second cooperating attaching components are detachable each from the other such that said coupler is removable and reusable.
 32. The coupler of claim 25 wherein the inside diameter of said coupler is about equal to or slightly greater than the outside diameter of conduit being coupled by said coupler.
 33. The coupler of claim 25 comprising an elastic material disposed on the interior surface of each said coupling member of said coupler which said elastic material is compressable against the outer surface of said smooth-walled conduits being coupled, to enhance the seal made by said coupler.
 34. The coupler of claim 25 comprising: a means for regulating the amount of flex permitted of said first cooperating attaching component comprising: a bump or ridge which contacts a stopping surface if said first cooperating attaching component is bent past alignment with a tangent to said outer end of said coupling member.
 35. The coupler of claim 25 comprising: a plurality of perforations in the wall of each said coupling member, wherein said plurality of perforations is located and spaced to mate or interfit with perforations of perforated conduit if perforated conduit is being connected. 